Athletic Trainers
SOC Code: 29-9091.00
Healthcare PractitionersAthletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in evaluating, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses in physically active populations. With a median salary around $60,250 and an impressive 11.1% projected growth rate, this profession has evolved far beyond the traditional sideline presence at sporting events. Today's athletic trainers work in hospitals, physician practices, industrial settings, military installations, and performing arts companies alongside traditional sports settings—providing preventive care, injury assessment, therapeutic rehabilitation, and emergency response across diverse patient populations.
Salary Overview
Median
$60,250
25th Percentile
$51,590
75th Percentile
$70,880
90th Percentile
$84,100
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
+11.1%
New Openings
2,400
Outlook
Much faster than average
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They Do
- Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
- Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
- Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
- Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
- Clean and sanitize athletic training rooms.
- Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.
- Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: Master's Degree
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A Day in the Life
An athletic trainer's day at a university athletic department might start with morning treatment sessions—applying therapeutic modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cold laser), supervising rehabilitation exercises, and evaluating athletes reporting new complaints. Before afternoon practices, the trainer prepares preventive taping and bracing for athletes with chronic issues, reviews injury status reports with coaching staff, and sets up hydration and emergency equipment. During practice, the trainer positions themselves to observe and respond to injuries—assessing a sprained ankle on the field, determining whether a concussed athlete can return to play, or stabilizing a suspected fracture for transport. Post-practice involves more treatment sessions, documentation in electronic medical records, coordinating physician referrals, and planning the next day's rehabilitation protocols. An AT in a hospital outpatient clinic follows a different rhythm—scheduled patient evaluations, treatment sessions, and post-surgical rehabilitation programs throughout the day.
Work Environment
Athletic trainers work in remarkably varied environments depending on their setting. Sports-based ATs divide time between athletic training rooms (clinical treatment spaces), outdoor/indoor practice facilities, and competition venues—often standing for extended periods and carrying emergency equipment. Clinic-based ATs work in healthcare facility treatment rooms with standard medical office amenities. Industrial ATs may rotate between manufacturing floors, office ergonomic assessments, and on-site fitness facilities. The schedule is a defining characteristic of the profession—collegiate ATs may work 50-60 hour weeks during sport seasons, including evenings, weekends, and travel with teams. Clinic-based positions typically offer more predictable schedules. The emotional component involves managing athletes' frustration during rehabilitation, making difficult return-to-play decisions, and occasionally responding to life-threatening emergencies.
Career Path & Advancement
Becoming an athletic trainer requires a master's degree from a CAATE (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education) accredited program, followed by passing the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to earn the ATC (Certified Athletic Trainer) credential. Master's programs typically include extensive clinical rotations across settings—collegiate athletics, high school sports, clinical rehabilitation, and general medical experiences. Entry-level positions include staff athletic trainer at colleges, high schools, or clinics. Advancement leads to head athletic trainer, director of sports medicine, clinical coordinator, or program director positions. Some ATs pursue additional certifications—Performance Enhancement Specialist, Corrective Exercise Specialist, or Strength and Conditioning—to expand their scope. Doctoral education (Ph.D. or EdD) enables careers in research and academic program administration.
Specializations
Collegiate athletic trainers specialize in specific sports or conferences, managing the unique injury patterns and demands of their assigned teams. Clinically-integrated athletic trainers work within physician practices and hospital systems alongside orthopedic surgeons, providing pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation. Industrial athletic trainers work with corporations to prevent workplace injuries, design ergonomic interventions, and manage occupational health programs. Performing arts athletic trainers serve dancers, musicians, and theater performers, addressing repetitive motion injuries and performance-specific physical demands. Military athletic trainers work on installations supporting service member readiness and rehabilitation. Pediatric and youth sports specialists focus on growth-related injuries, return-to-play decisions, and concussion management for developing athletes.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓Strong projected growth at 11.1% driven by expanding practice settings and healthcare recognition
- ✓Direct patient care with the satisfaction of helping people recover from injuries and return to activities they love
- ✓Diverse practice settings from professional sports and college athletics to hospitals, military, and corporate wellness
- ✓Dynamic work combining clinical treatment, emergency response, injury prevention, and rehabilitation
- ✓Growing professional recognition and reimbursement as masters-level healthcare providers
- ✓Close professional relationships with athletes, patients, and interdisciplinary healthcare teammates
- ✓Opportunity to be part of exciting athletic competition and performance environments
Challenges
- ✗Median salary of $60,250 is modest given the master's degree now required for entry into the profession
- ✗Demanding work hours in sports settings—evenings, weekends, travel, and 50-60 hour weeks during seasons
- ✗Emotional stress from making return-to-play decisions where incorrect judgment could worsen injuries
- ✗Physical demands of standing for extended periods, carrying equipment, and performing manual therapy techniques
- ✗Burnout risk from long hours, emotional investment in patient outcomes, and demanding coaching staff expectations
- ✗State licensure inconsistencies creating challenges for geographic mobility and scope of practice variability
- ✗Career ceiling in sports settings without transitioning to clinical, administrative, or educational advancement paths
Industry Insight
The athletic training profession has undergone a significant evolution, transitioning its entry-level degree from a bachelor's to a master's, elevating professional standing and clinical competency. The 11.1% growth rate reflects expanding recognition of athletic trainers in healthcare settings beyond traditional sports. Concussion management has become a major focus, with ATs implementing evidence-based protocols and return-to-activity decision-making frameworks. Telehealth adaptations allow athletic trainers to provide remote patient monitoring and consultation. The profession continues advocating for consistent state practice act modernization to ensure ATs can practice to the full scope of their education across all states. Mental health first aid training is becoming standard competency as awareness grows about the connection between physical injury and psychological well-being. Value-based healthcare models are recognizing athletic trainers' ability to reduce costs through injury prevention and faster rehabilitation.
How to Break Into This Career
Strong undergraduate preparation in exercise science, kinesiology, or biology provides the foundation for competitive graduate program admission. Gaining observation hours with certified athletic trainers in diverse settings demonstrates commitment and provides realistic career exposure. Research experience, strong GPA (typically 3.0+), and GRE scores strengthen graduate applications. During graduate clinical rotations, seek maximum exposure to different practice settings and patient populations to develop versatility. Building relationships with supervising ATs and physicians creates mentorship connections and employment networks. Obtaining CPR/AED certification and First Responder training before applying to programs demonstrates preparedness. State licensure requirements vary and should be researched for intended practice locations. Professional involvement through the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) provides continuing education and networking.
Career Pivot Tips
Athletic trainers develop a versatile clinical skill set—patient assessment, rehabilitation program design, emergency response, and healthcare documentation—that transfers across the healthcare spectrum. Physical therapy is a common transition, with some ATs pursuing DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) degrees to expand their scope and earning potential. Physician assistant programs value AT applicants for their clinical experience and patient care background. Healthcare administration roles benefit from ATs' understanding of clinical operations, patient management, and regulatory compliance. Occupational health and safety positions in corporate and industrial settings leverage injury prevention expertise. Medical device and pharmaceutical sales companies recruit ATs for their clinical knowledge and relationships with physicians. Fitness and wellness industry leadership—directing corporate wellness programs, gym operations, or health coaching services—builds on the preventive care and exercise science foundations.
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